The student teams are challenged to imagine a comprehensive, systems-thinking approach toward watershed management from mauka to makai (from the mountains to the sea). The Ala Wai Watershed encompasses key UH assets and facilities, thousands of homes and businesses and the Waikīkī district that drives much of the state’s economy.

Team proposals should include: ecosystem restoration, flood mitigation, community education and engagement, cultural connections, community access, mobility and recreation and economic health and resiliency.

Registration

Student teams must first complete the online registration form by January 31, 2017. A 4-digit anonymous identification number will be provided to all eligible and registered teams after the registration period has closed.

Once teams are registered, submissions should be made via the UH FileDrop system with alawai@hawaii.edu in the “Recipient” field. Submissions will be accepted until March 17, 2017.

The international challenge, sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi, includes $10,000 in total prize money. First place winners will be awarded across four categories:

The competition takes place in support of the Ala Wai Watershed Partnership, a multi-sector partnership that coordinates across the public, private, academic, non-governmental, community and philanthropic sectors.

The Ala Wai Canal in Waikīkī is part of the 19-square-mile Ala Wai watershed.